Mother’s head shave heroics raise £1,300

Jack Marshall

After being motivated by her daughter’s plight with breast cancer, a Burnley woman has raised over £1,300 for Rosemere Cancer Foundation with a charity head shave.

Sandra Varnavas, who was born in Scotland but who has lived in Burnley for over three decades, was spurred on in her fundraising efforts after her daughter, Sonia Varnavas, was diagnosed with breast cancer in June this year.

After three successful bouts of chemotherapy, Sonia is scheduled to undergo a masectomy in the upcoming weeks, with her mother braving the shave as a show of support for her brave daughter.

“My mum was devastated by the diagnosis, but she has been there at every step of the way, at every hospital appointment,” said Sandra’s daughter, Louise Cocks. “We organised a party with close friends and family and my mum’s hairdresser, Andrea Veldon, did the deed.”

Also looking to donate her lopped-off locks to a good cause, Sandra has handed over a cheque for £1,347.57 to Rosemere, with all four of her daughters immensely proud of her generous efforts.

“We are all so proud of our mum for what she has done,” continued Louise. “She is an amazing mum and granny to my two boys and always there for all of us for whatever we need.

“My boys were both at the head shave and they are incredibly proud of their Granny too!” Louise added.